James C. Potts, D.D.S.

Dr. James “Jim” C. Potts, D.D.S., age 72, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Lutheran Life Villages of Inverness in Fort Wayne. Born in Huntington, IN, on November 2, 1953, Jim was the son of the late Max S. and Elizabeth (Ewing) Potts. He married Risë Christian on December 22, 1984, who survives.

Jim graduated from Huntington North High School in 1972, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1976. He received  his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis in 1981. Dr. Potts dedicated his life to providing compassionate care, practicing general dentistry in Fort Wayne for 32 years.  He was known for his warmth and patience: he had a gift for easing anxiety, helping countless patients with their dental care.

Dr. Potts was a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, and a member of the American and Indiana Dental Associations and the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society.

Jim was an avid fly-fisherman, and loved to catch and release large bass and bluegill. He enjoyed spending time with his family, canoeing, bicycling, traveling the United States and visiting over 40 countries of the world.  He was well-known for his love of all animals, particularly dogs.

Along with his beloved wife of 41 years, Risë, Jim is survived by one son, Nathan (Lauren Ryan), Austin, TX; one daughter, Emily (Thomas Pritchard), Indianapolis, IN; and sisters-in-law, Patricia Potts, Fishers, IN, Judy Linton, Van Wert, OH, Lynne Arnold (Rev. Dr. Mitch), New Knoxville, OH; and brother-in-law, Alan Christian (Mary), New Albany, OH.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ewing M. Potts and Thomas S. Potts, sister-in-law, Betsy Potts, brother-in-law, Kenneth Linton, and parents-in-law, Norman and Juanita Christian.

A calling will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm at McElhaney Funeral Home – Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN, officiated by Rev. Dr. Mitch Arnold.

Burial will follow at Star of Hope Cemetery, Huntington, IN.

Preferred memorials are to the Isaac Knapp District Dental Education Foundation or Stillwater Hospice in care of McElhaney Funeral Home – Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN, 46783.

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